SBNation.com User Blog: fordescort

D.J. White signing official

fordescort — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 03:03:56 -0000

D.J. White signing official

The Celtics officially announced the signing of forward D.J. White to a 10-day contract today.

Kevin McHale’s daughter Sasha McHale passes away at the age of 23

fordescort — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 04:17:49 -0000

Kevin McHale’s daughter Sasha McHale passes away at the age of 23

Just one week and a half into the NBA's 2012-13 season, Rockets coach Kevin McHale took leave of his crew on Nov. 10 to attend to what the team at the time called a personal family matter. A few weeks later, we've learned the sad truth of what forced the Basketball Hall of Famer to step away from the group he's coached since 2011.

McHale's daughter, Alexandra ''Sasha'' McHale, passed away at age 23 on Saturday.

Who would you prefer be on the roster Darko or Steamer?

fordescort — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 15:13:13 -0000

With the loss of Steamer earlier in this summer and now with the acquisition of Darko I am curious to know who Celtic fans would prefer to have on the roster out of the 2 players.

So I ask a simple question... Who would you prefer be on the roster if you had a choice Darko or Steamer ?

For the record out of the 2 low tier, economy centers I would of preferred old pal Steamer I think, since I liked what we saw from him last year and think he really fitted into the system, but I am intrigued by Darkos potential since he may have untapped skills that we have yet to see which the C's may bring out.

Also since Darkos game mimics Steamers I think he is a great Steamer replacement and hope he can duplicate what Steamer offered the C's last season .

It was for that reason Darko was on my wish list of low tier, low cost centers I was hoping the C's would sign this offseason and it is why I am happy with his signing, especially if it is for the vet min.

But Id be interested in what the rest of you all think.

Note: I wanted to attach a poll but did not see the option when making this fan post, so if someone from Celtic Blog can help add the poll to my post Id appreciate it.

With the loss of Steamer earlier in this summer and now with the acquisition of Darko I am curious to know who Celtic fans would prefer to have on the roster out of the 2 players.

So I ask a simple question... Who would you prefer be on the roster if you had a choice Darko or Steamer ?

Also since Darkos game mimics Steamers I think he is a great Steamer replacement and hope he can duplicate what Steamer offered the C's last season .

But Id be interested in what the rest of you all think.

Note: I wanted to attach a poll but did not see the option when making this fan post, so if someone from Celtic Blog can help add the poll to my post Id appreciate it.

Spears: Darko to Boston?

fordescort — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 01:21:18 -0000

Spears: Darko to Boston?

A source tells Marc Spears that the Celtics, along with the Nets and Clippers, have apparently clipped three proofs of purchases from specially-marked boxes of Cookie Crisp to enter the Darko Milicic sweepstakes

Celtics make qualifying offer to Stiemsma

fordescort — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 02:41:42 -0000

Celtics make qualifying offer to Stiemsma

As expected, the Celtics made a qualifying offer to Greg Stiemsma worth just over $1 million dollars, ensuring that he will be a restricted free agent on July 1 and giving the team the right to match any offer he receives.

Brandon Bass opts out with Celtics, becomes a free agent

fordescort — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 20:06:27 -0000

Brandon Bass opts out with Celtics, becomes a free agent

Bass has opted out of the final year of his deal with Boston, worth $4.25 million, to look for a bigger payday with more years attached.

Kendrick Perkins’s familiar scowl back in NBA Finals

fordescort — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 12:41:59 -0000

Kendrick Perkins’s familiar scowl back in NBA Finals

Former Celtics fan favorite returns to the NBA’s center stage with Thunder

I ask again: Should the C's start Greg Steimsma ?

fordescort — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 01:47:48 -0000

As one of the leaders of the Greg Steimsma fan club, I am revisiting a question I asked in a fan post earlier in the season ( http://www.celticsblog.com/2011/12/29/2668200/should-the-cs-start-greg-stiemsma )

which is: " Should the C's start Greg Steimsma"?

When I wrote the fan post back in December, I believed Steamer should start in place of JO, since JO was struggling and Steamer was playing rather well at the time, but Steamer was never promoted to the starting center position.

Considering alot has changed since then with both JO and Wilcox now gone due to health issues, Steamer playing rather well over the course of the season and appearing to be developing into a competent and serviceable big man I want to ask the question again at this time which is "Should Steamer become the Celtics starting center"?

I think considering the C's do not have another legit center on the roster, KG is playing out of position at center, starting Steamer allows the C's to have a long "twin tower" duo when combined with KG (which I think is a very solid and intimidating front line on defense) and since Steamer has played rather well this year when given minutes, I think he has earned a shot to at least get a test run at being the C's starting center.

If we look at Gregs current stats and calculate it if he were to hypothetically lets say play at least 38 minutes a game he would be averaging about:

7 pts 9 rbs and 4.5 blks per game

I think those stats are not too shabby considering Steamer is a rookie, does not get hardly any setup touches on offense and is still learning the art of how to score, rebound and defend in the NBA.

Also lets keep in mind Steamer also offers shot altering, intimidation, size, length, wingspan, physical play and 6 hard fouls to throw at opposing teams bigs ( which do not show up in his stat line) but which immensely helps the C's.

I think considering Steamer shows alot of promise, he is a legit center with size and length at 6"11, 260 lbs (which is rare to find now a days), is young, athletic, has shown a decent perimeter jumper, can make free throws, can run the floor, can finish strong and above the rim on offense, has nice defensive footwork and hands, is a decent help defender, can alter shots, block shots, can rebound well, has soft hands capable of catching passes and passes well for a big man, all of which are pretty good skills for a young rookie center starting him would be a wise move to help the C's not just in the short term (this year) but also (long term) since it allows Steamer to get a jump start on his growth and development which can only help his cause to possibly become the C's center of the future.

So for all of the above reasons I think its time to have this debate again and would be interested in input from Celtic fans if starting Steamer should be a move contemplated or not by the Celtics.

which is: " Should the C's start Greg Steimsma"?

If we look at Gregs current stats and calculate it if he were to hypothetically lets say play at least 38 minutes a game he would be averaging about:

7 pts 9 rbs and 4.5 blks per game

I think those stats are not too shabby considering Steamer is a rookie, does not get hardly any setup touches on offense and is still learning the art of how to score, rebound and defend in the NBA.

So for all of the above reasons I think its time to have this debate again and would be interested in input from Celtic fans if starting Steamer should be a move contemplated or not by the Celtics.

Poll

Should Greg Stiemsma become the Celtics starting center ?

Steamer should become the starting center

212 votes

Steamer should not become the starting center

66 votes

278 votes | Poll has closed

Doc Rivers is not sure if JaJuan is a big ?

fordescort — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:41:38 -0000

Doc Rivers is not sure if JaJuan is a big ?

Chris Forsberg gives his opinion on a fans question of why JaJuan Johnson is not be utilized by the C's considering their lack of front court depth and explains that Doc may not be playing JJ because he thinks he may not be a big and hints he may be a wing player.

Boston Celtics Big 3 Looking Very Old

fordescort — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 23:39:49 -0000

Boston Celtics Big 3 Looking Very Old

The Got Em Coach Show decideds to poke a little fun at the "old" Big 3.

Celtics Best & Worst Case Scenarios Following the All-Star Break

fordescort — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:53:54 -0000

Celtics Best & Worst Case Scenarios Following the All-Star Break

Paul Pierce Reportedly Drawing Trade Interest - Celtics Consider Rebuilding?

fordescort — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:36:19 -0000

Paul Pierce Reportedly Drawing Trade Interest - Celtics Consider Rebuilding?

Eric Ball of Bleacher Report and Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo sports report that several contending teams have inquired about Pierce’s availability and one Eastern Conference official said, there are "lots of calls asking if [Boston] will blow it up."

Should the C's start Greg Stiemsma?

fordescort — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:04:16 -0000

Ok its still early in the season, we have not really gotten a complete look at Stiemsma yet, but what we have seen so far in the minutes he has played so far in the 2 preseason games and the one last night vs N.O., Stiemsma has looked pretty impressive and promising.

Stiemsma is a young legit center which is exactly what the C's need short and long term.

He has size, length (being 6"11, 260 lbs), is athletic, has shown at least so far to have decent vertical jumping ability, can run the floor, has nice defensive footwork,in the paint defensive skills, shot altering, blocking skills, rebounding skills, soft hands capable of catching passes, perimeter scoring capabilities utilizing his jumper and low post scoring scoring skills utilizing his hook shot , all of which are not much more you can ask from a center.

With the above said and considering Doc may not even do it , the question Id like to ask is is should the C's who have a old starting front line with JO and KG contemplate starting Stiemsma to get some younger legs, athleticism and energy into the starting front court and so we can also give Stiemsma a good test run to see what this kid truly has to offer?

I think playing Stiemsma who is a former NBA Development Defensive Player of the year award winner can possibly kill 2 birds with one stone as he can possibly help the C's not only this year, but it will also allow him to get some valuable quality playing time to allow the C's to possibly groom him and to see if he can be there center of the future that they will need as they seek to rebuild.

Also by starting Stiemsma another benefit is it will allow J.O. to move to the bench and to match up better against backup centers instead of starting centers to give him a advantage also at his current age.

What do you all think?

Is Stiemsma just a fluke and starting him is a bold and premature silly idea?

Is he possibly a gem Ainge has found and is possibly the young and promising center that the C's need short and long term and it would be silly not not to start him to help the C's cause this year and to also kick start his development?

Stiemsma is a young legit center which is exactly what the C's need short and long term.

What do you all think?

Is Stiemsma just a fluke and starting him is a bold and premature silly idea?

How and why Marquis Daniels returned to Celtics

fordescort — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:17:22 -0000

How and why Marquis Daniels returned to Celtics

Interesting interview with Marquis Daniels where he talks about his spinal injury, his rehab and come back with the Boston Celtics.

Minute watch: KG's new plan

fordescort — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:51:49 -0000

Minute watch: KG's new plan

With the goal of maximizing Kevin Garnett's floor time, Celtics coach Doc Rivers said this weekend that the team plans to alter his minute structure in the preseason to see if three short stints per half are more effective than the previous pattern.

If the C's try to acquire Paul who should they package along with Rondo - Jeff Green or Big Baby?

fordescort — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 01:04:52 -0000

With rumors heating up the C's are strongly engaged with talks to acquire Chris Paul and rumors also that the C's would probably have to package either Jeff Green or Glen Davis (via sign & trade) along with Rondo to make the trade work financially , one big question is who out of the 2 players should the C's ship to New Orleans if Ainge can organize a trade package to acquire Paul?

As a big Jeff Green fan I would prefer he stay in Boston, since I think he is young, athletic talent, who has upside and the potential to grow into the C's possible future starting small forward.

With J.J. drated this year who is another young, athletic talent and is a player with upside that has the potential to grow into the C's possible future starting power forward and since I think Baby has reached his ceiling, is a non protypical under sized power forward, I believe he is a expendable player and would prefer he be shipped to New Orleans along with Rondo instead of Green, if again Ainge can finalize a trade deal for Paul.

Though I think both Baby and Green are trade assets and would be trade chips worth giving up to get a talent like Paul, I personally would prefer Green to stay over Baby.

What do the rest of you think?

As a big Jeff Green fan I would prefer he stay in Boston, since I think he is young, athletic talent, who has upside and the potential to grow into the C's possible future starting small forward.

Though I think both Baby and Green are trade assets and would be trade chips worth giving up to get a talent like Paul, I personally would prefer Green to stay over Baby.

What do the rest of you think?

Glen Davis interested in signing with Hornets?

fordescort — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:54:07 -0000

Glen Davis interested in signing with Hornets?

Glen Davis mentioned the Hornets as one team he'd be interested in signing with, if they make him an offer and mentions the Pistons, Hawks, Nets and Magic as potential suitors also

Dr. J. Sells Championship Rings, Allstar Trophy & Final Game Jersey

fordescort — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 01:46:17 -0000

Dr. J. Sells Championship Rings, Allstar Trophy & Final Game Jersey

Former NBA/ABA legend Julius Erving says it wasn’t mounting debt, or a pending lawsuit, that convinced him to sell some of his memorabilia, but instead a need to unload some stuff he never looks at anymore

Should Pierce come off the bench ?

fordescort — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 21:58:39 -0000

Ok if we have a season this year and the Celtics stick with the core to make one more run at a banner , one of the more interesting topics of debate which could be revisited again is if the Celtics should have Paul Pierce come off the bench and in his place start Jeff Green (if he is retained) as Danny Ainge himself last spring suggested he may be open to doing this year when interviewed on WEEI radio and by the Boston Globe. (see 2 links below for more info) .

http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/celtics_blog/2011/05/weei_ainge_refl.html

http://audio.weei.com/a/40246279/danny-ainge-says-paul-pierce-could-come-off-the-bench-really.htm

I think this is a very interesting debate that merits some discussion especially if the lock out ever ends and the season ever gets underway .

I personally see 2 important positive aspects of starting Pierce over Green which would be:

1) You would have your best talented allstar small forward starting to go head to head against opposing starting teams small forwards (which most nights is a advantage for the C's) instead of Green who though I think is a up and coming young talent, does not at this time in his career have the caliber of talent as Pierce does.

2) Pierce meshes well and has a good chemistry with the current starting core which at this time Green does not have.

On the other hand though I also see 4 important positive aspects of starting Green over Pierce which would be:

1) By starting Green the C's would be getting some young, athletic legs in the starting line up which the Celtics starting unit is in dire need of I think.

2) By starting Green it would give him the necessary minutes and experience to develop his game and help groom him as a possible small forward of the future for the C's or at worst a more tradable trade chip asset to help the C's trade for another team player & team need down the line.

3) By moving Pierce to the bench it would probably help reduce his minutes and workload this year and allow him to take advantage of the fact he would be matched up against 2nd line bench players.

4) By moving Pierce to the bench it would give the C's a mega weapon off the bench and probable instant 6th man player award winner.

Moving Pierce, a allstar Celtic to the bench would be a interesting maybe bold move as it was when the C's moved allstar Celtic Kevin Mchale to the bench in the latter years of his career.

When Mchale was moved to the bench he did not miss a beat and was still as effective as he was as a starter.

With all of the above said I would not mind seeing the C's experiment early on in the season by starting Green and moving Pierce to the bench, just to give it a try and see how it works out.

What do the rest of you guys think?

Is it worth trying or something the C's should avoid doing?